4. Estimation of distance from his own position.
He then runs to the next point and repeats the same on another group, and so on; and finally he runs with his report to the winning post.
Marks—Full marks, 5 for each correct and complete description of a group—that is, an aggregate of 15 marks for the course. One mark deducted for every ten seconds later than the first boy handing in his report at the winning post. Marks or half marks deducted for mistakes or omissions in reports.
You can make a simple raft from “sausages”—waterproof covers filled with straw or dry leaves. Lash them to a frame of Scout staves.
CAMP FIRE YARN NO. 9
CAMPING
Comfort in Camp — Ground — Camp Equipment
Camp Pitching — Fire Building — Keeping Camp Clean
Some people talk of “roughing it” in camp. Well, a tenderfoot may find it rough and uncomfortable. But there is no “roughing it” for an old Scout; he knows how to look after himself and make himself comfortable. If he has no tent, he doesn’t sit down to shiver and grouse, but sets to work to rig up a shelter or hut for himself. He chooses a good spot for it where he is not likely to be flooded out if a storm of rain were to come on. Then he lights a camp fire, and makes himself a soft mattress of ferns or straw.
An old Scout is full of resource. He can find a way out of any difficulty or discomfort.
Ground
When you go camping, you must first decide where you will have your camp, and then what kind of camp it shall be.
The nearer it is to your homes, the less will be the expense of travelling.
To my mind, the best place for a camp is in or close by a wood where you have permission to cut firewood and to build huts. So if you know of an owner in your neighbourhood who may let you use a corner of his wood, there is your chance. Inside a wood the ground may be damp and the trees will continue dripping in wet weather. Be on the look-out for this. If you build good rain- proof huts, you need no tents.
The seaside also gives some good camp grounds if you find a place where boats are available and bathing possible. Sometimes you can get the use of a boathouse to live in. Don’t forget that you will want good water and some firewood.
Or you can go to mountains, moor, or river, and get permission to pitch your camp.
In choosing the camp site, always think what it would be if the weather became very rainy and windy. Choose the driest and most sheltered spot, not too far away from your water supply. Remember that a good water supply is of first importance. And make sure that your drinking water is pure.
Tramping Camps
Instead of a fixed or “standing camp”, many Scouts prefer a ‘‘tramping camp’’.
Of course, it is much better fun to go over new country. But to make a tramping camp enjoyable you want good weather.
In arranging your tramp, your first point will be to select the line of country you want to visit,
and mark out from the map where you will halt each night. You will find that about five miles a
day is as much as you will want to do.
You might want to make a trek-cart for carrying your tents, blankets, waterproof sheets, and so on.
At the end of each day’s march you would get permission from a farmer to pitch your camp in
his field, or get the use of his barn to sleep in—especially if the weather be wet.
Tents
Before you know which type of tent you will want, you must decide whether it will be wanted for a standing or moving camp.
For a standing camp, from which you don’t mean to move, I prefer the kind used by explorers called a ridge tent or wall tent. They are unequalled for comfort and for making the camp look neat. If they have fly-sheets, they will be quite waterproof, even if you touch the inside of the tent, and the fly-sheet will keep the tent cool in hot sunshine and warm in frosty weather.
Smaller Scout tents also do very well for camp if you can have two or more for each Patrol. You can make your own tent during the winter months—and this, perhaps, is the best way of all, as it comes cheapest in the end. And if, while you are about it, you make one or two extra ones, you may be able to sell them at a good profit.
The “ridge tent” or “wall tent” is one of the favorite tent
models used by explorers in many parts of the world.
Where the expense of tents prohibits buying them, remember that used tents may often be hired for a week or more at small cost.
Camp Equipment
